Tide operated energy system

ABSTRACT

I am the sole inventor of this tide water energy system. This energy source is inexpensive and sustainable. Tides are available the world over and should be utilized as a source of efficient, non-polluting energy. 
     A horizontal power wheel of different sizes can be used to generate power to a vertical pump. A series of gear increasing systems will lift ocean water to a storage basin. Storage basin water is used to operate a turbine powered generator to produce electricity. 
     A tide height of 4 feet or more will effectively power this system with no pollution. 
     All materials for the use and manufacture of Tide Operated Energy System to be salt water compatible.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This energy producing system is designed to use the ocean tides for the inexpensive and clean production of electrical energy that does not pollute or destroy large areas of the environment. It does not depend on oil, coal, or nuclear energy sources that are all contaminants. Wind power sources, though clean, are intermittent and reliant on weather patterns that are not as constant as the tides. The tides are a clean, dependable and natural source of energy that is available 24 hours a day and will last as long as the earth does.

PRIOR ART

Water operated wheels of all types for generating power to operate machinery but not tide operated.

Thermal expansion types that were tested near the Hawaiian Islands were government financed but failed to produce enough surplus energy to be profitable

Several different types of tide surge experiments were tried in Ireland but no constant amount of energy could be produced by them

Several types of flotation systems were tried off the California coast but again they failed to produce positive results

California does not list any projects being discussed at this time in their energy publications

SUMMARY

Incoming tide operates a power wheel linked to a pump through a series of gears and drive linkage lifting ocean water to a holding reservoir. Water flowing out of the holding reservoir turns a turbine that powers an electrical generator. The holding reservoir is sized as required with an elevation to effectively operate turbine continuously. The outgoing tide reverses this operation, so that the operation cycle is continuous. Elevation of the holding reservoir should be 125 feet or more above sea level to efficiently produce electricity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Operation—First Embodiment

Incoming tide drives the power wheel which mechanically operates pump. The pump lifts ocean water to holding reservoir. Holding reservoir is at an elevation of 125 feet plus above high tide. Water flows out of the holding reservoir through a turbine in a power house to generate electricity.

Outgoing water from a tide basin reverses the power wheel so pump will continue to operate. Reversing gear box at pump changes rotation so pump rotates in one continuous direction. Two gear boxes in the power train increase RPM of power wheel. RPM of power wheel needs to meet pump speed of 1,750 RPM. Additional sea water (25%) is needed for operation at slack tide in 24 hour cycle. Additional ocean water also supplies continuous flow at turbine from holding reservoir.

Operating Details

The ocean (FIG. 2, #1) tide is channeled utilizing a causeway (FIG. 2, #2). Causeway size to be determined by chosen site. The causeway structure will contain a Tide Basin (FIG. 2, #3). A Turbine Pump (FIG. 2, #4) is connected to a Power Wheel (FIG. 9, #15), located at the end of a Flume (FIG. 2, #5). The Flume (FIG. 2, #5) carries the water to and from the Power Wheel (FIG. 9, #15). An Increasing Gear Box (FIG. 4, #10) is used to increase the RPM of the Power Wheel to 1,750 RPM. Ocean Water flows over a Power Increaser (FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, #16) and past the Power Wheel. Ocean Water turns the Power Wheel (FIG. 9, #15) by pressure against Power Wheel Panels (FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 (end view), #18). The Tide Basin (FIG. 2, #3) provides a constant source of water flow for the Power Wheel (FIG. 9, #15). A Float Assembly (FIG. 15, #21) maintains the level of water flowing past the Power Wheel Panels (FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 (end view), #18). Float Assembly (FIG. 15, #21) raises or lowers a Power Wheel Drop-in unit (FIG. 16, #22). The Turbine Pump (FIG. 2, #4 and FIG. 5, #11—elevation view) lifts the water from tide basin (FIG. 2, #3) to an Elevated Holding Reservoir (FIG. 3, #6). The Elevated Holding Reservoir (FIG. 3, #6) is required to operate an electric generator in a Power House (FIG. 3, #8). Discharge Pipes (FIG. 3, #9) deliver the water from the pumps to the Holding Reservoir (FIG. 3, #6). A Penstock (FIG. 3, #7) delivers the water from the Holding Reservoir (FIG. 3, #6) to the Power House Location (FIG. 3, #8). Water turns the turbine which turns a generator to create electricity in the Power House. The Power House (FIG. 3, #8) is located at High Tide for the chosen site.

Suggested Materials

The Power Wheel (FIG. 9, #15) frame should be made of salt water compatible material. The Power Wheel Panels (FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 (end view), #18) will be attached to the Power Wheel using Panel Support Brackets (FIG. 10, #17). The Power Wheel Panels (FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 (end view), #18) should be made of a lightweight, strong material that is resistant to the effects of Salt Water—Fiberglass with Stainless Steel reinforcing mesh is the recommended material. Panel Support Brackets (FIG. 10, #17) should be made of salt water compatible material.

Design Criteria

1 The location to be used should be determined by height of tides, with a 4 foot minimum

2 Site chosen to be determined by depth of ocean and location of holding reservoir for ocean water. The available material to build the necessary causeway for power wheel location is a consideration

3 A study should be done on the site chosen based on the history of ocean storms and tsunamis will be a major consideration for each site selected.

4 Environmental impact is also a major consideration for the location chosen this should not be an insurmountable problem. There are no pollutants disbursed as a result of the use of this system.

CONCLUSION

The size of this system will be governed by the capacity of the tide water basin, height of tides, length of causeway required for the number of power wheels to be used. Also, the capacity of holding reservoir should be sized for the amount of ocean water required for the efficiency of the system. 

1. The site chosen will be determined by several factors crucial for this system to operate properly
 2. Access to ocean property and construction materials
 3. Tide levels of 4 to 6 feet
 4. Space where a maximum number of power wheels can be installed to maximize the tidal energy output of the system
 5. Location where mechanical equipment can be installed to provide the maximum tidal energy output
 6. Space where a tide basin can be constructed for minimum requirements
 7. Space for an elevated holding reservoir for the pumped tide water and be large enough to store all the tide water necessary for the continuous operation of the turbine generator
 8. The elevated holding reservoir will need to be located at an elevation of at least 125 feet above sea level 